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Sunday, 21 February 2016

Kate in Temperley London for Shopping Trip at Lululemon

Happy Weekend, dear readers! It's always fun see a surprise royal sighting - the Duchess of Cambridge was photographed enjoying a spot of retail therapy at one her favourite haunts, King's Road in Chelsea. The Mail Online published the photo (along with an article focused on the cost of Kate's outfit); it can be viewed in its entirety here.

The Mail Online

I suspect William and Kate spent the past week in London with engagements on separate days including Kate's day editing The Huffington Post and a day trip in Anglesey. Kate looked relaxed as she exited fitness-wear shop Lululemon. We know Kate is a huge fan of sports, keeping fit, and reportedly practices yoga regularly.

The Local Data Company

The Canadian sportswear brand is fast becoming a celebrity favourite with customers including First Lady Michelle Obama and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. More on the background of the shop:

'After 20 years in the surf, skate and snowboard business, founder Chip Wilson took the first commercial yoga class offered in Vancouver and found the result exhilarating. The post-yoga feeling was so close to surfing and snowboarding that it seemed obvious that yoga was an ideology whose time had come (again).

Cotton clothing was being used for sweaty, stretchy power yoga and seemed completely inappropriate to Chip, whose passion lay in technical athletic fabrics. From this, a design studio was born that became a yoga studio at night to pay the rent. Clothing was offered for sale and an underground yoga clothing movement was born. The success of the clothing was dependent on the feedback from yoga instructors who were asked to wear the products and provide their insights.'

An interesting nugget on how the brand was named: "The Lululemon name was chosen in a survey of 100 people from a list of 20 brand names and 20 logos. The logo is actually a stylized "A" that was made for the first letter in the name 'Athletically Hip', a name which failed to make the grade."

'Canadian founder Chip Wilson based the company on clean-living credentials and staff encourage customers to ‘breathe deeply’, ‘appreciate the moments’ and ‘dance, sing, floss and travel’. It markets itself as a ‘lifestyle brand’ – encouraging clients with life-affirming mantras such as ‘creativity is maximised when you are living in the moment’ and ‘your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself'

Kate's candid look was casual and stylish. The Duchess opted for two pieces by one of her favoured high-end designers, Temperley London. The Black Leather and Suede Gilet is a past season piece originally retailing for £1,250. It was described as "essential to your outwerwear collection" and features a cosy shearling collar and leather trims.

Temperley London

Underneath, Kate wore the brand's popular Honeycomb Sweater in black. It's a piece the Duchess has had for some time and was photographed wearing in 2013 following a friends wedding in Switzerland.

Kate also owns the sweater in cream as seen on Christmas eve 2011.

Kate wore an old pair of GAP leggings (with thanks to Middleton Maven) and white and pink Asics trainers. Below we see two similar pairs from the label - the $55 Asics - Gel Contend in white, hot pink and indigo. We also see the $60 Asics - Gel Acclaim. I expect Kate's pair are a past season style she's had for some time.

Yes, thank you Charlotte. William and Kate have an excellent photo album and sweet diary of their lives provided and archived by you, Ms. Charlotte. Hopefully, they know that. I wouldn't be surprised if they do. :)

I second Rebecca. Never ever ever look at the comments on s DM article. Its only good for pictures but don't even steal a glance at the comments. You might actually ruin your day knowing how supposed grown ups can be mean bullies online under the guise of anonymity

I apologize in advance for my repeat here, but another negative article (price tags included!!), after a hugely successful week for Kate, does support a point I was trying to make in the last post. There appears to be a strong desire and need to bring this couple down. And the nastier it becomes, the more obvious it is. This is my comment from the last post...

Julia, I am reminded of the "Diana is unstable...Diana is paranoid" years. As her marriage deteriorated and the reality of her circumstances within the RF became known, the public was sympathetic to her. What a dire prospect this had to be for a man who was born to be king. And what better way to respond than to rewrite the script and undermine his popular wife.

Fast forward to today... We have calmer waters, but the reality is that Charles is decades older, still not drowning in popularity, and then there is the Camilla factor. His marriage may be a happy one, but it also serves as a vivid reminder of how they got there.

Making William (in particular) and Kate out to be unwilling or disinterested in their royal roles has its advantages, does it not? It serves to enforce Charles' preparedness for the throne and, on some level, boosts his "ratings" by default. Ratings he and Camilla could use.

I find the undermining, and the timing of this latest campaign, to be suspect. W&K have been establishing themselves in their roles (increasingly) and Kate, especially, had a hugely successful week and took part in an unprecedented partnership with the HP. Unfortunately, it seems that every time there is a high, it is followed by some very unkind and unwarranted coverage.

Coincidence? Not so sure.

And a lot of this KP vs. the press is an added layer of smoke and mirrors, IMO. Times have changed. W/K/H are a different generation, with different experiences to go by and this means a different strategy with the press. Rather than having journalists tweeting like bored and resentful brats, why don't the disgruntled editors put their heads together and make HP's success THEIR OWN by suggesting a similar partnership? I see nothing but egos in their way.

I do think it's not a coincidence with this bout of bad press. If it has to do with them not liking Kate having a good day, jealaousy of Huff Post or growing bad relations between the press and KP, but something is behind it.

Camilla Tominey actually said in her column today that she had a personal conversation with Kate about doing something, and cited in her conversation with Kate the Sunday Express' award winning mental health campaign. She said she admires Kate's work but was flabbergasted by the partnership saying "it's newspapers who invest in covering royal engagements at home and abroad... and abide by the Editors' Code of Practice in relation to the Cambridges' privacy while the internet continues to publish pictures of the children with impunity."

There are many outlets who may offer partnerships, it doesn't mean you accept them.

I also don't think there's a campaign to damage the Cambridges, especially given the press has put a very positive spin on almost everything they've done up until recently. The exact same facts can be told in two different ways and Kate & William have been very fortunate with a very positive narrative.

I have said repeatedly in my comments that they need to do more engagements and need to cultivate a better relationship with the press. I'm always wondered why many Kate fans dismiss that outright. Surely, like everyone, they have room for improvement?

No one's suggesting they meet Charles' and Anne's work numbers, but there are a lot of speeds between zero and sixty, doubling their workload would still allow them enormous family time and freedom.

And no one thinks they should have the press in Anmer Hall 24/7 on a reality TV exercise. Again, there's a lot of middle ground.

For their own sake and future success I think they have to make some changes. The sad thing is the recent articles will likely make William dig his heels in even more.

I suspect the Queen will come forward to save them as she has done in the past, Edward and Sophie come to mind. After her 90th there will be some story that she asked William to give up his Air Ambulance job to help her with her duties and he obliged. She knows he is stubborn, and will do anything rather than be seen to be caving to the press.

Is hugely successful a trip with his husband to see his friends,and really a work obligation for him and editing part time one day with a shopping trip after?How do you describe what the queen and Charles do?

Well, Anon, one person's "conspiracy theory" is another's ability to look at the big picture, including a chapter of history that continues to have an impact to this day. And I will happily trot this alternative view as often as necessary, but certainly nothing compared to the trot (perhaps stomping is a better word) that goes on in every single post.

Exactly, Rebecca, that is my feeling. There is something behind this...there's a reason the negativity goes into overdrive whenever W&K are on a high. And let's not forget the tour on the horizon. Very odd timing indeed.

Claudia, how often have people suggested that Kate should step out of the box? :) Well, she did it! HP offered, and KP accepted. I hope they (the press) will focus on the future potential rather than the perceived negatives of the partnership with HP.

I commented to some of this in the last post but will repeat a bit in response to comments here.

It is well known that close friends of Charles were the primary spreaders of reports about Diana's mental health. His close friend Nicholas Sommes (Churchill's grandson) who was recently used as a major source in a mostly favourable and authorised biography of Charles was the most noted to do this. (Emma Thompson was another major source in that biography- interesting, given her recent tasteless - if meant to be humourous - comments about Britain)

But those sorts of remarks are still out there - I encountered them from someone with Palace connections quite recently. Why William stands for this among those close to his family,I can't imagine.

So Royalfan and I are not making these claims about Charles out with no evidence.Is there actually a conspiracy to out down William and Kate in order to shine a more favourable light on Charles and Camilla? Actually, I don't believe so. I even think Charles would be fine with William and Kate doing more. But we all know the expression, "Perect Storm". As William and Kate have increasingly antagonised the press - quite unnecessarily (William's dislike is also noted in this biography of Charles) Charles and Camilla have been actively courting the press. Who's going to get the most favourable articles? It's rather obvious. Most of these reporters probably will be retired when William takes the throne - that is, if Charles proves as long-lived as his parents.

As for Kate, it's possible she wouldn't be married to William today, if she hadn't used press attention very effectvely when the couple broke up. She made William look a cad and refused to disappear.

I agree with Claudia - improved relations are important now - before too much damage is done.

I think the damage has been done -- Gordon Rayner at the Daily Telegraph just called out KP for misleading the press about William's work just short of calling them liars. When the Telegraph gets off-message then KP should truly worry.

Gordon Rayner is another solid reporter, and that article is damaging Anon 22:42 perhaps because it's so embarrassing, surely KP should have realized how easily that story could be disproven? It just shows a complete ineptness that frankly I haven't seen from one of the palaces in years.

Even if KP press office were fed incorrect information by William, surely they would have verified before talking to Telegraph? Just awful press relations.

To update any of you that haven't read it - KP told Rayner that the reason William couldn't do more royal engagements was because the Civil Aviation Authority bans pilots from doing any sort of work on rest days, they must strictly rest. It's mandatory rest time. (boy I bet a number of husbands would love that line!) Rayner of course contacted the CAA which "rubbished the excuse" saying pilots can do whatever they like on rest days, including other employment, as long as they're not flying aircraft.

The numbers were also interesting. A normal air ambulance pilot averages 120-130 hours a month. KP said William "aims" for 80 a month, 2/3 that, but would not say how much he actually does, just what he aims for.

KP then responded again to Rayner saying, well we need to make sure he has enough rest between flying and engagements.

Just a mess of their own making which is last thing they needed now. Though if William's being using that rest rule with Kate maybe that's where he'll face the most trouble :)

@ Claudia, I am hard pressed to think of an act in journalism more insulting to reporters/editors than for KP to presume that a journalist would not fact-check his or her story. I sincerely hope that what happened is that KP did not do their own fact checking, rather than strategically plan for these journalists to toe the line for further access.

I couldn't agree more with royalfan on this current state of affairs. I think because William and Kate are a step down in the succession, the Royal Family are firmly in support of their "work lives" as they now stand. If Diana and Charles had a bit of quiet time in their young family life, things may have worked themselves out. But Prince Charles was the heir with a very visible role and workload, and his fairytale princess had to figure how she fit in. William and Kate seem very united on how their family life will be and the other things (engagements, flying with the air ambulance, etc) have to work in that frame. When they're both "on" they're very successful and the public enjoy them. When they're off duty, they want to be off duty. When Charles becomes King, William will be in the heir position and have to adapt to that. Hopefully, his family will be at least school age or older (I am hoping Queenie lives to be 100!). I really think this is part of the grand plan-- but their office seems to waffle between putting out a good message and one that falls flat. I was particularly impressed when they put out the privacy statement last year- acknowledging a loyal public that loves to see those cute kids but not at the expense of their personal safety. The press has more access now than they ever did and they still whine. But that's what the press is paid to do...

And another thing--- William is a product of his chaotic childhood. He doesn't like the drama and shies away from it. I was a huge Princess Diana fan but my "fandom" contributed to the "Diana" media maelstrom that has William perhaps being less than enthusiastic for his current status. He has no choice but a public life through an accident of birth, but he wants to navigate this on his terms. He wants his family protected and safeguarded from too much exposure- there'll be time for more of that when his role is expanded. I support William and Kate in this, even though I enjoy this blog and others, with press and paparazzi photos sprinkled throughout. I look forward to those two doing their thing for Britain and they carry themselves well and are good ambassadors. My interest in them perpetuates the media madness too. I only wish them well...

So if I got this right, he tries to work 80 hour/months and average shift is what like 8 hours(?), so he works 2-3 days a week, from 30 days only 10-12. Plus he has holiday. And he has no time to do royal duties. I think this is the point where I lost my respect for him.

Hahaha...wow. Yes, I'm just catching up myself! I can't say I didn't see this coming. No matter what anyone says about Kate needing to do more...she does have two young kids at home, and she's the spouse of a royal, unlike William. William really doesn't have any excuse. I guess he thought he did with his "job".

We'll see what happens in response to this...but honestly I think the worst thing is that Prince William doesn't seem to care. I can just see him ignoring the whole situation and carrying on like nothing has happened. I also think it will take the Queen to intervene before anything changes. Again, it's not like articles have not been written before about William being the "reluctant royal", more and more proof is now coming to light....

KP should have checked the actual rules before speaking out on this. It makes KP and by extension William look disingenuous. KP's comeback which is that they need to make sure he has enough rest between flying and engagements is actually worse than the original statement because many doctors and nurses work 12 hour shifts each day 25 days a month. They might be a bit miffed at the suggestion that one needs 20 days off to do 10 days' worth of work. KP should have just kept quiet at that point or clarified that they were not aware of the regulations. William is not coming out of this looking good.

I'm afraid I don't really get all the angst on this issue, other than it's clear the print media is furious with William and Kate and they are going to unleash that fury no matter what.

But as to the facts of the matter, William appears to work about 80 hours per month, that works out to about 2 1/2 days a week - 8.5 hours per day. So, do any of the other royals works 8.5 hours per day, 2 1/2 days a week? I'm asking - really! Do they? Probably the Queen when you count in her paperwork and meetings and so on. But I doubt very much that Edward and Sophie work that much. Probably not Andrew either. 8.5 hours a day 2 - 3 days a week? I don't think so.

Harry certainly doesn't, unless he's doing something that we aren't aware of. Beatrice and Eugenie don't do anything at all apparently, except go on holiday. And no one cares at all.

It's not like William isn't doing anything. He has a job, he was allowed to take the job, he trained for it, he is doing it, and he is doing some Royal duties (not so much right now, but he has a lot of stuff coming up). And the money he is entitled to for doing the work is going to charity. So how much more "work" are we really expecting William to do? I'd really like to know.... Do we expect him to work 40 hours a week? 50? What counts as "work"? Only the occasions he's in public and being photographed? He went to school in 2013 I think it was to learn about agriculture so he can take over some of his father's work. He gave interviews for his grandmother's ITV special coming up this Spring.

I guess I just don't understand what your expectations for William are. He isn't the next in line to the throne. He has years before he might be King. There are other Royals who are doing the charity work and ribbon cutting right now. If they wanted to quit - if the Queen wanted to slow down more - if Philip wanted to slow down more - William would take up that slack, but there isn't any evidence of any of that.

I don't think William and Kate are perfect. And I don't think their staff are doing them any great favours right now, but I don't believe everything the press says and I don't have a lot of sympathy for those journalists who just want everything to stay the same. I applaud the Huffington Post for coming up with an innovative idea and pitching it and following through for a spectacular event.

This is a blip for William and Kate and they certainly have to do something to placate the petulant journalists. I'm sure they will. The journalists will be easily mollified by a thrown bone or two. Until the next dust up. The good ones will take heed of the HuffPost prize and come up with something themselves. The rest will probably have to find someone else to cover.

This may sound harsh but I really am sick and tired of the press thinking that they have the final word on what's right and what's wrong. God help the "target" who chooses to be different.

"If Diana and Charles had a bit of quiet time in their young family life, things may have worked themselves out."

1. It is insulting to the millions of families that do make it work while having both parents work full-time jobs to imply that you need to work as little as William and Kate do in order to have a good family life. First, William and Kate had 10 years together before getting married, unlike Charles and Diana. If that wasn't enough to provide a stable foundation for a marriage, even with busy lives, then I don't know what could be. Second, look at the Queen and Prince Philip. They made it work.

2. Can we please stop acting like the only options William and Kate have are to work VERY little or ALL the time? There IS a middle ground that doesn't involve Kate working 3 days in the first 2 months, and William doing more than 2 days of piloting/week and also 3 royal days in 2 months after getting 4 weeks off from both at Christmas. William and Kate, and their children, have an incredibly large amount of time together. After they had their first baby, while most parents would have to work more to feed a new mouth, Kate was on maternity leave and William quit his first job and spent the whole first year of them as parents not working in an outside job and also not increasing his royal duties. I'm sorry but if they cannot make it work while having more than double the number of days together as a family than not, then they have bigger issues to worry about. They also have a nanny and other help, which means it is very easy for them to make time for each other while feeling secure in the knowledge that their children and their homes will still get the attention they need from other loving individuals.

Look, if William and Kate were actually having marital problems, then fine, it would be a good idea to take some time together because they can afford to do so. But unless they've been having marital problems ever since they got married, there is no justification for William working about half as much as a regular pilot but not doing royal duties during his spare time, and then lying about this whole rest thing.

I also don't know of any other job where your boss is fine continuing to pay you for it (security, renovations, helicopter rides, etc.) when you don't fulfill your duties because of marital issues. If I ever went to any of my past bosses and said I was worried about my family life and so had to do less at work, they would probably say they understand. And then they would fire me.

Marny, I agree so much with you. People forget he gives his salary to charity. He might even donate that to the service he works for. Thanks again Marny for such a fresh, compassionate, reasonable perspective.

20:30, I think William cares deeply about people, "us". He and Harry greeted people who'd been standing in front of Clarence Hall, invited a lot of "us" ("common" people) to the wedding, gave their wedding gifts to charity, has rescued 149+ of "us" in a big helicopter in challenging climate and terrain, has shown true compassion to people in the charities he is patron of, he is a patron to charities, has his much beloved son going to school with "us", etc. I think the statement that William doesn't care for the public is grossly unfair and unkind.

And yes, to those to whom much has been given, much will be required. I think William and Kate are fulfilling that beautifully and will continue to grow within that as their roles increase. It is also written, Judge not lest ye be Judged, condemn not unless ye be condemned, forgive and you will be forgiven. Love is Kind.

Marny, thank you for chiming in. I agree with so much of what you said!

I see elements of a witch hunt in all of this. How dare the Cambridge's not dance to the journalists' tune and, even worse, how dare they prove that they can be successful (HP anyone?) in spite of it. Let's face it, some in the media have been chomping at the bit and waiting for a moment like this to punish the uncooperative couple. And just look at the happy clicks and gotcha's it generates. Oh yes. The moment some folks were waiting for. And I couldn't agree more with Marny's comment regarding the press. Don't they report the news? When did they start dictating how it happens?

Was this an example of bad PR and poor judgment on KP's part? Yes. Does it qualify William for the Tower? No. He is doing a job while balancing it with royal duties, and W&K are being allowed the time to concentrate on their family while it is possible, given the unique circumstances involved (3 living heirs!). Again, their situation is the reverse of the rest of us; there is no retirement from the roles they will take on in the future.

Back to KP and bad judgment... I put a lot of the blame on the current love affair with social media. Every detail does not have to be shared with the world. Not because it is a secret, but because it is not always relevant. I understand and agree with certain announcements being made...for example, when William moved to Anglesey and began the helicopter rescue chapter of his life, likewise with the current job, new patronages, royal engagements, tours, engagements/weddings/pregnancies/births/christenings, significant occasions in the children's lives such as George starting nursery school, etc,

But at some point announcements cross the line and fall into "explain and defend" territory. And this I blame on the current social media mentality. Do it or think it, and you must share it. No, you don't need to...really, you don't.

Maternity leave was a perfect example of this. The Duchess will...the Duchess will not... The more they announced, the more they had to explain when things changed. And, in the meantime, KP was accused of trying to mislead the public (more gotcha's) when, in reality, things do change. Hello...it happens to all of us, no?

Another example, was the fuss over which roof the Cambridge's would live under when William started his current job. Does CH announce where Charles spends most of his time? How many nights the Queen spends at BP? And likewise for the other royals? No. They simply get on with it.

Well, the Cambridge's current schedule does not give people license to know more about them. William is doing a job where he reports to a boss. And as far as royal duties are concerned, he reports to the Queen. And together, the Cambridge's are creating a foundation for this and future generations. There's a bigger picture here, and I believe they are well aware of it.

This too will blow over. As Marny pointed out, this is a blip. People who support them will see it for what it is and not crucify William for it. And those who don't can enjoy it while it lasts.

They aren't regular people Maggie. It's unfair to put middle class expectations upon them. Also, the British people really are not their bosses. You talk as if Britain owns them. It's a very derogatory way in which to view human beings.

Marny I agree with you. This so looks to me like what can all the so called "newspapers" do to discredit Kate and William since they lost out on a very successful week for Kate. Where are any articles applauding the great success she has had with her blog "young minds matter". As with the naysayers on this blog it appears to me they are all trying to undue any good she has accomplished. No one knows exactly what William is doing, just like all the naysayers were complaining about Kate, it took a lot of behind the scenes work to pull off the success she continues to have.

Maggie, you have now exaggerated the time William had off at Christmas from three to four weeks. William so called "quit" his job after George was born because his enlistment time was up and since they were going to privatise search and rescue this was the time he had to leave. Many people after they leave one job especially the Millitary take a while to find a different direction or a next career.

The CCA does have rules as to how many hours any one can fly. So unless you know how many hours the other Air Ambulances Pilots fly and how many each has contracted to work with this agency I am not sure how you or these reporters can argue that William is not pulling his weight. All we have ever heard from past people he has worked with is how he did work just like the other guys did. Yes, the Queen and Phillip have "made it" as far as their marriage, however when it comes to raising children there have been some issues. This plus Charles and Diana's experience will influence how William is determined to change.

It is equally insulting (and not quite relevant) to compare Charles and Diana's marriage, with all of the obligations, expectations, world stage atmosphere, and OTHER issues, to the average Bill and Peggy who can live their lives (good or bad) free of the press.

References have been made to the Queen intervening here. Well, how lovely, and utterly simple, would it be for Charles to drop a "I'm so proud of my two sons" comment during one of his engagements? Wouldn't that be a nice paternal touch!! Diana would NOT be silent on this one.

Thank you for the links, Francis. I'm afraid I must disagree that the first one is "facts". It's just a statement that William works there and is a valued part of the team. I wouldn't expect them to say anything else. They're speaking on the record.

I also looked through the CAA document. Could you advise where the relevant information is please? I couldn't find anything on a quick skim and you were nice enough to do some underlining on the first one. Thank you.

No disrespect meant here, Maggie. I, myself, work 2 jobs and juggle family life too so I know the Cambridges have it much easier than the rest of us. The quiet life I meant is one with relative peace from media scrutiny. There is a famous newsreel that you see in every video special on the Queen as young girl with Princess Margaret and her parents. You see it in every special because that is all we have- one. This dissection in the media of their every move is very counterproductive and destructive. Maybe the royal reporters should be reassigned to cover more worthier projects. Too much spin and it spins out of control...

Sigh... Why would they say such a thing? I mean, don't they know journalist (at least some....) factcheck? KP is almost as bad as the Swedish royal family PR people... (Not saying William is blameless, but this was an easily avoided PR disaster! Just like they should have known how Williams speech would be taken on the day of Cameron going to Brussels, they should have known that this would be factchecked. And if they genuinely belived that they were right, they should have fact checked long before, even if they got their information from William.)

Thanks for the quick post Charlotte. I may have woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning but this DM article is typical, the poor girl cant do right for doing wrong.

So one day she's damned for wearing expensive things (even though these are pretty old stock standbys) and then next week will be criticised for recycling and wearing high street. Not to rattle the whole Press argument again but it seems it's an endless battle which I think will be ever present with them - no matter what type of PR they have.

You have to admire them, no matter what your stance is on monarchy, that they have to be pretty sure in their own minds of who and what they want to be to put up with such scrutiny every day. Yes they're living a priveledged life, but I wouldn't swap it for all this.

The press is ferocious and fickle. Not a good combination at all. Thank God Kate takes it with a grain of salt if at all. And for those who say Oh they better foster the press, this a prime example why such a thing is futile. The press is more than a three ring circus. You appease one ring and the other two roar. You appease all three and the next day they roar even louder. Trying to placate the press is absurd. Kate and William aren't perfect but they are pretty close. Their hearts are definitely in the right place in my opinion. 149+ rescues, charities and philanthropies.

I completely agree! I remember watching a documentary on them around the time of their first anniversary. A royal expert said something like "Kate lives in a prison now. It's gold, but it's still a prison." People act like she "snared" William, but I think he's truly lucky to have someone who would put up with that level of scrutiny and judgment for the rest of her life. I know I couldn't do it!

True, but Kate had almost six or more years of living with massive press attention before she got married. As II mentioned above, she used that attention quite effectively when William broke up with her. She is an intelligent woman and must have known exactly what she was in for.

Yes. She knew about the media circus. She had learned to keep on her own path and stay true to herself as she said in their engagement interview when speaking about the media. I don't think she played the media during their breakup at all. That is a Katie Nicholls fabrication, not the real intentions of Kate. I think she decided to get on with her life and the press was there. One of the boy band members who was close to both she and William at uni said in an interview that he had had lunch with Kate during the breakup and that she had told him that the relationship was definitely over and that she was going to have to just move forward on her own. He said she sincerely had let the relationship go on her side of it. No games involved.

I actually thought she looked nice here too, very natural. It did seem to reinforce the idea though that the "real" Kate is very different from Catherine the Duchess. Reminds me of another Camilla Tominey article from after New Zealand I think? "Will the real Kate please stand up" - worth a read in my opinion.

Also, People magazine reported this photo was taken after the HuffPost engagement, on the same day, for what it's worth.

Of course Kate isn't in Duchess mode all the time. I don't think the Queen is in Queen mode all the time either. They both let their hair down when off duty. Who doesn't? Surely no one is trying to make an issue of that I hope.

Usually workout wear in the street can be cringe-worthy, so thanks Kate for wearing a chic vest and earrings! I am glancing over at my own Asics right now (they haven't been used lately.... subtle reminder to me that spring is coming) Anyway, one more thing to add- I love all the quick IDs on clothes of course, but do you think it will ever be possible that we know what Kate's skin and makeup choices are? I know, the old wedding makeup stories Bobbi Brown, Karin Herzog etc, but who keeps using the same they used 5 years ago? Certainly not me! Thank you

Great write-up on Lululemon, Charlotte! It's funny to me, because I've been buying it since it was only available in Vancouver, Canada and all made in Vancouver. Now it's all made in Asia, but the prices are still the same. I still shop their frequently though. What are your thoughts on Sweaty Betty? I have heard it is the UK version of Lululemon.

I thought the DM article was funny, but I don't care about the cost. I just noticed it's unusual that we see her dressed in athletic wear while out shopping. Was she coming or going from a workout, and half dressed for shopping and half dressed for the gym?

That's what I thought! It looked like the top half was one outfit and the bottom half another..it didn't go at all..if I dressed in leggings and sneakers I wouldn't be wearing earrings and a nice top..just oddBut to each his own

Thr DoC owns some really nice pieces! The Temperley gilet is to die for. I don't often say this but I would replicate the whole look. I wonder if she was picking up something for the tennis workshop on Wed.

You are right, Erika! I absolutely love that dress, I have seen couple of pictures of the new design that is one to die for too. Though I can't find any special reason why I like it so much but to me simply adorable.:-))

Good to know someone else shares my interest in lovely but trivial things:-))

Yes, the new design is beautiful as well. I've liked all the Lassa variations although I've liked some colors more than others. I know - I can't decide why I like the dress either other than it is lovely which is reason enough :-)

So glad Kate still ventures forth in private like that. Can you imagine not being able to go shopping? I wonder how long it has been since the Queen went shopping or if she ever has?Looks like Kate just threw some things on in a hurry. How many of us have ever done that?Although, since she is a Princess, I have to admit I wish she had worn a pretty outfit. The tennis shoes and tights didn't match the sweater and vest at all. Must have been a last minuteouting. Love the photo of Kate and Harry. You can tell he thinks his sister-in-law is special.Harry is so handsome......

I am so wanting to see a new photo of George and Charlotte. I am sure they both have changed so much since we last saw them. How long has it been since we have seen them?When might photos be expected?

Womens World, or whatever that Aussie tabloid is that frequenetly publishes Cambridge photos, released the other day a photo of both kids with Maria in a park. I haven't seen any scanned copies on the internet yet, though.

It used to be that shops allowed the queen and other family members to visit when they were closed. Imagine never having to queue for the till - although it must feel rather odd to be in a huge department store with no other customers. (And of course, traditionally, royals don't carry money, although today, with credit cards, I don't think that's still true.)

I don't know if such visits happen any more. With online shopping so available - the need is not the same. (I rarely go to the shops now myself.) Yet, I suspect most shops would happily cooperate if asked. It may be that the royal family thinks that looks too pretentious these days.

As for Kate, I don't feel it right to comment on what she wears privately - that's up to her - what she wears in her role as a princess is another matter. But for what it's worth - she looks fine to me.

She looks fine to me, too, Julia, but maybe that just makes us two old fogies! I would never go out of the house in leggings, if that's what those are, and I gave up tennis shoes a few decades ago. I would love the heavy, warm sweater and the nice vest, probably with neat black slacks and loafers. But I don't think what I would wear at my age is the point of the criticism. I'm not at all sure what is. To me, Kate looks warm, casual, and age appropriate.

The Queen does not know what it is like to be in a store with other customers bustling around, and queuing at the till, though, so would not find it 'odd' if she is there when the store is empty and it is open especially for her.

I think it's wrong for Daily Mail to criticize what Kate wears and the price. It's her money, she can spend what she wants to spend. Also I see that Kate is just wearing her wedding bands. Does she only wear her bands when she goes shopping?

She seem to not always wear her engagement ring. It's rather big and can get stuck or call attention to her so it makes sense :P But nice catch. Also, they put the prices, but not that she has owned most (or all) of the pieces for years and been seen wearing them. I'm sure she has gotten good use out of them. Especially that bag. She almost always wears it. It's probably her "I have all my stuff in this one"-bag :P

I think that Kate's mom taught her style and to buy quality but at the best value. So often we see pieces that she has that are or have been on sale. I think she buys during the sales extra pieces for future use. She knows when the occasion calls for an expensive piece and when it doesn't. I think Kate is a good steward of her wealth. I am so happy for her that she is wealthy and has enjoyed prosperity most all of her life.She handles it nicely.

It's now reported that William has worked 12 days at his piloting job this year so far. Add two days of royal duties and this man has had over 30 days to himself to do zip. It's really, really indefensible unless one twists themselves into knots as seen with KP.

Anon 19:27, yes she has her protection officers with her at all times. They quite often appear in her shopping photos...in front of her or behind her, or sometimes she is chatting with them. I guarantee you she had her protection officers, and they may have driven or she could have driven.

Yes, she absolutley has to anon 19.27. When William and Kate had dinner before announcing that they were expecting Charlotte they were reported as having 4 guards by the next table. When George was in her belly (and I think Charlotte as well), from the moment it is announced to the public she has had 2 instead of 1 guard with her, so the kids literally had security guards in utero! So depending on situation, current threatlevels (after the Paris attacks you could see that the security people were increased, closer to the subjects and heavier armed for example) and such they can have more but she always has one. Not in the home or grounds though (at least not as close) but larm buttons, cameras and stuff. It's a crowded life to live.

Yes, she has often been photographed with them. They are always present - why the cost to the public of overseas holidays is an issue. (And from the previous post, the kind of security seen with US presidents has never been seen as desirable in Britain - although it's understandable why it exists in the US. I once was amazed to see a presidental motorcade when the president - I'm thinking it was Clinton - was on a private visit to Manhattan - quite something!)

I still maintain if Diana had been protected by the royal police -she would have been alive today. It is hard to know who is to blame - some say Charles, some say Diana asked not to have them - but, as mother of a future king, it should have been required. The guards are highly trained and it is unlikely they would have allowed her to get in the car with a driver who had been drinking - nor would they have been answerable to Dodi.

As for seatbelts, I don't think Diana wasn't wearing her because she was looking at the paps. Many of us historially didn't wear them in taxis or car services- I was once in a taxi in New York which was speeding ridiculously -and it only occurred to me afterwards, that I might have been wise to buckle up.

I agree totally that Diana should have had the guards with her. It would be lovely if she would be still alive today. With William and Harry being teenagers (I believe they were) at the time, it must have been really hard on both of them. Now two more children, George and Charlotte, whom I'm sure Diana would have loved.

I think the PPO's she had previously would have trained her to wear her seatbelt. They were usually driving and had, no doubt, been trained for evasive high speed maneuvers. They would have insisted she wear a seatbelt. I think she had her seat belt off because she was photographed turned around looking at the press that was pursuing them.

I agree that if she had had PPO's protecting her in Paris, the press would have had to keep their distance and she would be alive today.

That she wasn't afford PPO's should be no surprise since she did say in her interview in front of the whole world that Charles was unfit to be king. That must have had something to do with her loss of status and PPO's. Some even believe that that, coupled with the fact that she was dating Dodi, whose father, a Muslim, had stated that his family was seeking the British throne or at least access to it, also played a part.

The fact remains, that press pursuit played a pivotal role in her death. The driver, drunk or not, would most likely not been speeding if not being pursued, given his VIP passenger.

The press played a pivotal role. But the person who really played a role, and it's not talked about much, was Dodi Fayed. It was his security, his decisions. His hotel too for that matter; his father owns it.

I rather agree, Royalfan. The BBC documentary Reinventing the Royals that aired last year pretty clearly outlined the lengths Clarence House would go in order to manage the POW's image. I think this is standard practice for CH, sadly.

Kate looks great! Her hair looks nicely styled and her outfit is really put together. That pic+headline is in really poor taste. For all they know she got those pieces at discount prices. Anyway it makes DM look really unclassy, which I guess it is ;)

I think that even as a young princess, Elizabeth and her sister always wore bespoke clothing. Does anyone know whether she has ever shopped retail?I think I heard that she bought a scarf once, or that may have been a gift. I think it was a Hermes scarf.

Hahha, no. It's by a woman known to photograph lookalikes. I think she's the one who has photographed "William and Kate in the bath", "Kate and the Queen painting the baby room" etc. They are fakes but since they are not marked as such, people fall for it.

Hi, Oh no the DoC has jumped on the Lululemon bandwagon :( manyVancouverites used to be hardcore Lulu fans but now that a lot is made in Asia (still overpriced) and sold to the US we've moved on. -Vancouver Girl and yoga instructor

It's not trending on mine. #nationaltoastday and #princewilliam were, though. I searched and last post with #youngmindsmatter was February 17. That's almost a week ago. Maybe it's because I'm in the US.

I just love the whole outfit I didn't understand why they need to put up some prices a these not possible we seen duchess shopping and doing normal things and like normal people wears these I think she wearing her engagement ring when she is official duties I notice never her engagement ring when she shops maybe they will drew attention

I think she looks beautiful. I think she looks normal and lovely. Although it is a priveleged life, it would also be a challenging life - always being watched and critiqued. I agree that the speculation about anybody's pregnancy is not right: we never know how hard it is for a couple to become pregnant or whether in fact more children are right for their situation.

Mary, I agree with you and, as a general statement, I have always felt that asking or joking about when a couple plans to have a baby is inappropriate. It's a difficult subject if a woman cannot conceive, and it is based on the assumption that a couple wants to have a child. Both scenarios are personal and 100% the couple's business.

We live in the Northwest in the USA and Lulelemon has been a hugely popular line for a number of years, as far as I know up and down the West coast. It is giant with teenage girls. In our area I would actually say people buy it for workout and the jackets for running around but I would say many people have switched over to other athletic brands over the last 3 to 5 years. It is a bit overdone at least here in Seattle. Also who ever mentioned changing the manufacturing to China probably explains why I noticed a difference in the quality of some of the items over the last several years. I used to be able to go in and find several jackets I loved, I now find it much more hit and miss in terms of fabric quality. ali

I think Kate looks great. The nit picking at the prices of her clothes is ridiculous. She's a Duchess and she shops like one I don't know why everyone is so surprised and really, as women we all know there are many items of clothing that cost much much more.

Thanks Charlotte. I can honestly say I learn a lot from you. Your post is so detail oriented. I love these surprise sightings and Kate looks great. I am not even going to check out the Daily Mail. After seeing the comments here I will preserve my sanity and just enjoy the moment. I agree that she is probably getting something for her tennis engagement on Wednesday.

Did you guys see that KP totally got called out by the air service? KP said william couldn't do a lot of royal duties because of required down time for pilots and the air service totally called them out and said that wasnt true and william could do whatever he wants as long as he doesn't flyman is it wrong that i loved that the air service totally called bull crap on KPwow.

Some papers and/or journalists might also panic a bit before Monday's lauch of The New Day http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/feb/22/its-the-new-day-first-look-at-trinity-mirrors-new-newspaper

I thought she looked like a stylish young woman running errands, and I love the gilet and handbag, which I drool over. The fuss about her clothes and her role in Britain fall under my new mantra: Not my circus, not my monkeys.

hmm I read that article about the duke not working for lot roysl duties he yes duke working as pilot for god sake as life saving emergency disaster environment and respond to the task when they required and how demanding is that to represent official duties what honorable man the and hardworking with his duties and roles to be a good and loving family man his is

I think Kate looks lovely! Both the outfit and her hair looks beautiful. I'm sad to see she has jumped on the Lululemon bandwagon. Here in the US it has quite a bad reputation--after it's founder commented that they don't make larger sizes because some women aren't meant to wear their clothes. Something about if their thighs were too large. The brand has received lots of negative press.

Yes Lululemon is done as far a west coast Canada is concerned.. overpriced, poor quality and just "so yesterday". Vancouverites are so sick of the Lululemon "culture" and of Chip Wilson and is idiotic remarks. Just another capitalist brainwashing the masses. Support brands and manufacturers who are truly local and who truly make a positive difference. I still adore Kate and the work she does, even though she bought Lululemon, she'll wise up to this soon enough 😉-Emily from Vancouver

Kate looks gorgeous. She's a fantastic role model for girls and women everywhere!!!! Too bad she shops at Lululemon though - that company does nothing for body image confidence... The founder Chip Wilson and his wife made some rather discrimatory comments about body shape and size. I'm a Pilates instructor in Canada and no longer buy this brand, many of my clients don't either. Let's hope Kate chooses a British athletics brand or another more mindful company. Lara from Toronto

Whoa! I've only ever seen the Teeny Gals wearing their clothing or my Daughter & Nieces all Teens - 30's. I never actually knew if was a Vibe from The Company? How Disappointing:( Well, I'm Perfectly Happy Continuing my 30+yrs of Yoga wearing my "No Name" Yoga Pants & Tops w/high tech fibers.... Yeeesh! Why does it seem Elite-ism has crept into Every Corner of Our World? I mean The Whole Point of Yoga is To Breeeath & Be One With Your Soul & Your Creator......& I Don't Think "Labels" Matter, No Matter Who "Your Creator" Is?Becca USA:(

There was an odd little story on our national tv news in the US this late afternoon. A psychologist who had been called in by the Queen was interviewed. It turned out that he was an animal psychologist and had been asked to sort out difficulties among the corgis, who were fighting a lot. His conclusion was that the discord during Charles and Diana's separation and divorce had upset the corgis! Strange, as they live with the Queen. Perhaps what he was really saying was that she was so upset that the corgis were picking up her emotions? The video showed the Queen in a beautiful black raincoat, walking with a large group of corgis frolicking around her. Probably that would have been in the 90s when she had a lot of the dogs, now down, I think, to just two.

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